Perse Upper and Stephen Perse views

[mikron4e]

DD received offers from both Perse Upper and Stephen Perse Foundation for Yr 7 entry and although we had been through the pros and cons for each school, we still can't make a decision. I read what has been covered through the years and referred to league tables but I'm looking for opinions from recent parents in both schools, especially SFP. Whilst PU has been consistent in performance and head/senior teachers, my research shows that there have been lots of management changes in the past 2 years at SFP and the Head is relatively new. DD is bright and resilient and I feel she will do well in both schools. However they seem to have different style and DD keep changing her preference based on experience from open days and other opinions. Any recent experience/views are highly appreciated. Thank you

Marking my spot on here to see if anyone has any current feedback. Both SP and PU are on our possible list but DD is only Y4 so we're a little way out yet, though we have registered our interest for both, plus Kings Ely.

Hello @CaveMum and @mikron4e - I would be so grateful if you could update us with your experience! Which have you chosen? Why? What are the pros and cons?
We are looking for a school for next year, and feel rather lost.
best -

@StillMumofThree we're not really much further on at the moment as DD is now Y5, so we have another year before we need to make a decision. If I'm honest, we're probably discounting The Perse as I don't think it will be a good fit for DD - it gives off pretty higher pressure academic vibes and right now that is not what she needs.

King's Ely and Stephen Perse both have their open days this weekend and next so we're going to have another look around both with DD, and younger DS. My gut instinct at the moment is that King's Ely might be the better fit for her - it has a strong artistic/musical leaning and a good pastoral reputation, plus is closer to our home. Stephen Perse is great, and probably offers more academically, but I'm concerned about the travel (we live outside Cambridge so would have to travel at least part way in every day to either drop off/pick up or she'd have to catch the train from our nearest station and walk to the school).

Known kids at all 3 of those schools and all seem pretty happy, tbh at least 2 of them would have done just as well at the local state school - lots of v good ones around cambridge - quite a lot go to 6th form in state as well

Stephenperse school is absolutely terrible, do not send your children here the teachers are rude and have no thought or compassion for any child that may have mental health problems my friends granddaughter was treated so badly it made her mental health worse they lie to cover themselves, disgusting behaviour when so many young people are dealing with this in their lives they should all be ashamed of themselves

I always wanted single sex schools for my children which we did manage up to age 18 so I would probably go for that for girls.